AC4 feels like a house that's been added onto so often that it's a maze of twisting passages, oddly shaped rooms, and doors that go nowhere. There may be something worthwhile hidden within, but it's not worth the effort to find it. Time to tear it all down and start over.

The controls are great once you get them customized properly*fire buttons on L1 and R1), with nimble movement and crazy bursts of speed seldom seen outside of anime, but this dexterity is wasted on short missions, bare-bones multiplayer, and the same ol' gameplay AC has been recycling for years. [Apr 2007, p.85]

This is hands-down the best Armored Core game to date, including V and For Answer. This is a rich detailed futuristic simulator that is funThis is hands-down the best Armored Core game to date, including V and For Answer. This is a rich detailed futuristic simulator that is fun even for the western audience. From Software did a great job developing this game.…Full Review »

Once upon a time I purchased Armored Core 4Answer. I loved it. But like most games I play I trade them in after I play them to death. ThenOnce upon a time I purchased Armored Core 4Answer. I loved it. But like most games I play I trade them in after I play them to death. Then one day I decided to purchase Armored Core 5: Verdict Day. They took out the ability to fly, the weapons and missiles all felt the same, buildings could no longer be destroyed, reverse leg joints had virtually zero difference with regular joint legs, they removed much of the automated targeting so it no longer felt like you were piloting an AC, it felt like a FPS with a robot on the screen, and WORST of all the feel of the game was just......it felt like a video game.

I traded in AC:V the next day and decided to try out the precursor to Armored Core 4Answer: AC:4
I was NOT disappointed.
I fell in love with this game from the moment I pressed start. The customization of my AC is unmatched. Each piece you purchase feels like a tangible piece of equipment. The feel of the game, and I'm not just talking about controls, just....everything is SO spot on. This game is probably the most underrated piece of software to ever exist, mostly because it is just one in a large series of AC games, and it's so painfully better than every other variation, especially the ones that followed it. It just FEELS perfect, and customizable to the extreme. I believe they tried to balance combat to a ridiculous extent as time went on, but any game with such beautiful freedom is going to be able to be broken, it's kinda part of the fun. They just needed to beef up some of the tankier class weaponry rather than nerf speed, and I realize I'm talking about the subsequent games as well, but I guess it doesn't really matter considering there is no longer online support for this game, at least not that I'm aware of. If you're going to get any AC game, SKIP 5, maybe pick up AC4A, but definitely try this one out. Once you understand the mechanics, it feels absolutely amazing to be able to craft any armored core you want. And those MISSILES! BEST MECHANICS FOR MISSILES in a video game EVER! They launch in clusters, rapid fire, vertical launch, target seeking, cluster missiles! It's almost unbelievable. It makes every other video game to ever contain a missile seem like the programmers were drooling idiots. 10/10 What more can I say.…Full Review »

BrianD.

Sep 2, 2007

10

The Armored core franchise has been going up hill since Armored Core 2. Once again From Software and Sega have outdone themselves offering The Armored core franchise has been going up hill since Armored Core 2. Once again From Software and Sega have outdone themselves offering more control, variety, and action. The learning curve of the game really shows how far you can push their revamped system. Also, this game has plenty of replay value. whether you like to play simulated missions or head to head with friends, this is a great game for anyone. Also it is one of the first well done ps3 games currently out.…Full Review »